Could my Sacramento neighborhood flood? Do I need sandbags? Your questions answered
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Northern California Storms
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As rain continues to saturate the Sacramento region, residents are curious if their neighborhood is at risk of flooding and what they need to do to prepare for the water.
The National Weather Service issued multiple flood and wind advisories this week as excessive rainfall and wind continues to pound the region for the third week in a row. In response, officials have encouraged some people to evacuate their areas.
The weather is forecast to storm at least until Tuesday night, with chances of rain into the weekend. Expect thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain and wind gusts up to about 40 mph.
Sacramento Bee reader Tatiana Gonzalez reach out to The Bee’s service journalism with this Sacramento storm question: “Should folks in these areas of the city be prepared with sandbags? Should they be prepared for flooding?”
Could my Sacramento neighborhood flood?
Southern Sacramento County is receiving the brunt of the region’s flooding.
On Sunday, Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services ordered residents living in the Wilton area to pack up and leave as rising water “may soon spill onto roads in Wilton and cut off evacuation routes.”
“Anybody who is outside the Wilton area of the evacuation zone could potentially see some water,” said spokeswoman Janna Haynes with Sacramento County “but obviously for people who are inside the evacuation zone — rather than sandbagging, we would like them to leave.”
National Weather Service issued a flood warning Sunday night for Cosumnes River at Michigan Bar in preparation for Monday’s rain.
A helicopter flew along the American River Sunday evening warning residents experiencing homelessness and living along the parkway to evacuate the area due to rising water levels.
“All the other river points in the area at this point are expected to remain below flood stage,” said meteorologist Hannah Chandler-Cooley with the National Weather Service.
People living near any small creeks and streams should remain extra vigilant because the water could rise from the heavy rainfall and overflow into your area.
Haynes said those living in northern Sacramento County near Arcade Creek and Dry Creek “could potentially see a little localized flooding” and may be interested in sandbagging their property.
Where do I get sandbags in Sacramento?
- Branch Center - 3847 Branch Center Road
- Orangevale Community Center - 6826 Hazel Ave.
- Westside Park - 6555 West Second St.
- Wilton Fire Station - 10661 Alta Mesa Road
- Point Pleasant United Methodist Church - 3329 Point Pleasant Road
The city of Sacramento has two sandbag locations, spokeswoman Gabby Miller with the city of Sacramento wrote in an email to The Bee, which are open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Wednesday, Jan. 11. Shovels, sand and bags are provided but you must fill the bags yourself.
Here are the locations:
- South Area Corporation Yard - 5730 24th St.
- North Area Corporation Yard - 918 Del Paso Road
How do I use sandbags to fight floodwater?
Here’s step-by-step instructions on how to use sandbags, according to Lowe’s, a home improvement company:
- Clear the area around where you want to set up your sandbags.
- Fill the sandbag a little more than more than halfway and be sure to leave room to allow the sand in the bag to move.
- When placing the bag down, be sure to fold the flab of the bag under itself. If you tied the bag, flare the ends.
- Be sure to stack the bags in a staggered formation, similar to stacking bricks.
This story was originally published January 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM.
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